Islamic State releases ‘crime and punishment’ list

A man accused of homosexuality is led to the edge of a tall building by Islamic State fighters before being hurled down to his death (screen capture)

Tamar Pileggi // A new document emerged on social media recently listing the brutal methods of punishment employed by Islamic State militants for various “crimes,” including “apostasy,” “blasphemy,” “highway criminality,” theft and alcohol consumption.

Most “offenses” carry the death penalty either by public stoning, crucifixion, or being thrown off tall buildings, as is the case for the “crime” of homosexuality in territory controlled by the terror group. Earlier this year, the group released a video of two men accused of engaging in homosexual activity being thrown off a 30-meter (100 foot) building in Raqqa, IS’s de facto capital in Syria.

The enforcement of the Islamic State’s penal code applies to anyone believed to not be following the jihadist group’s radical interpretation of Sharia law.The group says it serves as a “warning” to non-believers.

An increasing number of images and videos showing violent punishments and executions have been widely circulated on social media sites and rights groups say public executions have become commonplace in the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa.

According to the new document outlining the punishments, enforcing the rules will drive people to fear God in order for them to “enter into His mercy,” the UK’s Daily Mail reported Thursday.

Topping the group’s list of crimes is blasphemy against God, Islam and the Prophet Muhammad — all of which are which are punishable by death, even if the offender repents.

Adultery is punishable by either 100 lashes and a year-long banishment or death by stoning — depending on how pious the offenders are deemed to be.

Those found guilty of theft have their hand cut off, usually carried out publicly with an industrial guillotine.

“Highway criminality” is divided into sections, with the crime of “killing and taking wealth” carrying a “death and crucifixion” sentence and while a charge of just “taking someone’s wealth” incurring a punishment of having the right hand and left foot cut off.

Drinking alcohol and slander both carry a penalty of 80 lashes, while those who “terrorize the people” can expect to be banished.

Last week, the anti-Islamic State undercover group “Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently” reported that militants were imposing 10-day prison sentences for people guilty of wearing skinny jeans, having certain songs on cellphones, smoking and being late to prayer.

Children living under Islamic State controlled areas in both Iraq and Syria are not exempt from the punishments.

In February, the UN said that the militants systematically executed and abused children, including crucifying them, burying them alive and using disabled youths as human shields and suicide bombers.